New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday paused the ongoing criminal proceedings against popular YouTuber and reality show personality Elvish Yadav, also known as Siddharth Yadav, in connection with a case alleging his involvement in organizing rave parties where snake venom was allegedly used as an intoxicant.
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice NK Singh issued a stay on the trial and sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government after Yadav moved the apex court, contesting the charges framed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Yadav’s legal team contended that the application of the NDPS Act in this case was unjustified, arguing that the evidence did not meet the criteria required to invoke such serious provisions. They further claimed that the allegations were amplified due to Yadav’s public image and online following.
The allegations against Yadav include hosting parties with foreign nationals in attendance, where banned substances — specifically snake venom — were purportedly used for recreational purposes. Additionally, he faces accusations of featuring snakes in his online videos, which has triggered concerns over violations of wildlife protection laws.
Earlier in May, the Allahabad High Court had refused to dismiss the proceedings, rejecting the argument that the complaint under the Wildlife Act was not filed by a duly authorized officer. The court maintained that Yadav’s celebrity status did not entitle him to any special treatment under the law, emphasizing that legal provisions must apply uniformly to all individuals, regardless of their social standing or public influence.
Challenging this decision, Yadav approached the Supreme Court, seeking relief and a review of the legal grounds on which the charges have been pursued.
With the Supreme Court’s intervention, the trial has now been temporarily halted, providing Yadav a reprieve as the matter continues to be reviewed at the highest judicial level.
